James makes his mark at Gloucester
By WALT BURROWS
Courier-Post Staff
GLOUCESTER CITY
Just when coach Tom Torrillo began talking about it being the first practice Liam James missed in four years, the Gloucester High School senior came gimping into the school gymnasium.
He had been in the trainer\’s room having his sprained ankle treated so that he could take part in Wednesday\’s practice on the eve of the Lions\’ final game of the season at home tonight against Cumberland.
\”It\’s heartbreaking, tough to leave Gloucester High,\” said James, a standout performer in both basketball and football. \”I have a lot of memories and not all about wins and losses.\”
The Lions suffered through a 1-24 season in 2005-06 with James as the captain of an inexperienced team that faced a schedule loaded with opponents enjoying fine seasons.
James was the leading scorer last year but changed his strategy this season, turning more to being a leader and helping bring along his teammates.
\”That was my biggest responsibility as I saw it,\” James said. \”As it turned out, all of us seniors tried to help the younger players.\”
Photo by CHRIS LaCHALL/Courier-Post
James and his classmates did a pretty good job. They will take a 10-15 record onto the floor tonight against Cumberland, a far cry from the 1-24 mark of last year.
Torrillo is one of James\’ staunchest supporters.
\”He\’s a typical Gloucester kid, hard worker, never stops trying and does all the little things,\” the coach said. \”He takes the ball to the basket, distributes the ball and always wants to play the other team\’s top player unless he\’s too big. Then he never backs down, and I have to make an adjustment.
\”A good illustration of what Liam has meant to this team came Tuesday in a game against Overbrook. He was playing on his banged up ankle and all he did in the first half was distribute the ball to his teammates. He didn\’t score a point but finished the game with 20 (points in the second half). That says it all.\”
Liam, the son of Gloucester City Mayor William James and Virginia James, was an outstanding two-way (wide receiver, defensive back) performer on Gloucester\’s football team and, as a result, had to jump from one sport to the other on quick notice.
\”Normally, I give the football players until the Monday after Thanksgiving to report for basketball practice,\” Torrillo said. \”But Liam isn\’t your normal athlete when it comes to hard work and dedication.
\”Not only did he show up on Friday for practice but he was the first one there. That\’s his work ethic, his attitude, the way he goes every day of the week.\”
James\’ M.O. is that he\’s been a scorer, averaging between 16-17 points, has dished off 7-8 assists a game, has grabbed 4-5 rebounds a game and leads the team in steals.
Not a bad resume for a 5-foot-10 point guard with a 3.9 GPA and a 1,520 SAT.
The curtain comes down on James\’ scholastic basketball career tonight, but he\’s left his trademark on a lot of future Lions who aren\’t likely to forget him.